McCormack announces $500,000 for CCTV

THE Nationals’ Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, has confirmed $500,000 in Federal funding for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in the Baylis and Fitzmaurice Street precincts if the Coalition wins next week’s election.

"I am very pleased to announce this commitment from the Coalition today. This funding is something I have been fighting very hard for in Parliament," Mr McCormack said.

If the Coalition wins the 7 September election the funding will be drawn from the "Safer Streets, Safer Communities" Fund.

"When Tony Abbott announced the Safer Streets, Safer Communities initiative in October last year, I immediately started lobbying on behalf of Wagga Wagga’s central business district.

"I highlighted the importance of such a project given the benefits CCTV will provide the safety of patrons at licensed venues as well as greater security for shopfronts within the precinct and assistance to Police when video footage needs to be sought," Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack also acknowledged funding for such a project was announced as a Coalition commitment at the 2010 election.

"Getting CCTV in areas of need is something the Coalition has been serious about for some time. This was a commitment from the Coalition in 2010 and I am very pleased funding will be made available if the Coalition is elected to Government next Saturday," Mr McCormack said.

The announcement has been welcomed by the Police and business leaders of Wagga Wagga, who praised the benefits a sophisticated and wide-ranging network would have for the city.

Thanks to the Coalition’s announcement, total funding for the project should the Coalition win the election will exceed $1 million.

The $500,000 commitment from the Coalition is in addition to $100,000 in funding from the State Coalition Government, $300,000 from Wagga Wagga City Council $100,000 from funds raised through Commitee4Wagga fundraising initiatives and $90,000 in existing Federal funding for the taxi ranks.